Jacques Cartier Park

Across the Ottawa river, in the Gatineau area, is a park named after the French explorer, Jacques Cartier. Created during the 1930’s, the park offers a relaxing respite from hectic urban life. Within its confines are two historic buildings; Maison Charron (built between 1826 and 1841) is an example of an early European settler home. It is the oldest surviving home in the area. At the north end of the park is the Gilmore Hughson building. Built in 1892, it is one of the last sites on the Ottawa river linked to one of the major Canadian lumber companies of the 1800’s. What drew us to this park was a temporary (lasting only 107days) exhibit known as “MOSAICanada” - the largest horticultural event celebrating Canada’s 150 years of history. Made up of nearly 40 different pieces covering Canada’s 10 provinces, 3 territories, and First Nation settlements, this exhibition of living art was a must see. Bear in mind, the following images are pieces of art made entirely out of plants and flowers over a wire frame.

Greeting visitors at the entrance to the exhibit is the Canadian Pacific Railway’s engine 374. This was the first passenger train to cross the continent between Montreal and Vancouver...

...but now it is an impressive horticultural piece of art.

Most folks first image of Canada is of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police - the “Mounties.”

Perhaps the best known resource off of Canada’s eastern province of Nova Scotia is the lobster, with its iconic fishermen loading their dories with wooden traps full of these shellfish.

However, the discovery of gold along the Klondike River in 1896 soon brought thousands of people from the four corners of the globe to Canada.

Soon afterwards, the traditions of the First Nation tribes began to be lost...

...to the influx of prospectors, fur traders, and settlers.

No question, for us, the biggest highlight of the collection was this piece, labeled “Mother Earth.”

Each piece started with a wire frame to create the basic shape...

...and then filled with potting soil before adding the finishing touches with plants and flowers.